A report from The New Arab claims that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad do not have a military presence in Syria, contradicting Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s assertions. A Palestinian source refutes Israel’s allegations, describing them as a cover for its own plans in Syria. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to its presence in southern Syria to prevent Iranian influence and uphold security.
A recent report from the Qatari-owned news outlet The New Arab asserts that neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Islamic Jihad maintains a military presence in Syria, contradicting statements made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Sa’ar claimed during a meeting in Brussels that these groups were working in Syria to establish an additional front against Israel. He characterized the newly established Syrian government, headed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as a “Jihadist Islamist terror group.”
The Palestinian source in Damascus refuted these claims, suggesting that they are fabricated by Israel to justify its objectives concerning Syria following the Assad regime’s decline. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz mentioned that Israeli Air Force (IAF) had conducted strikes against Syrian regime positions after the new government attempted to deploy forces near Israel’s border. Katz emphasized Israel’s commitment to maintaining a strategic presence in southern Syria to thwart Iranian influences and secure borders against potential terrorist threats.
The Palestinian source reiterated that Israel aims to exploit the challenging situation in Syria to dismantle any military infrastructure. Furthermore, it was claimed that the new Syrian government has closed offices belonging to various Palestinian factions, leaving only Fatah operational in Syria, while others now function as charitable organizations. The New Arab also reported the insights of Mu’ayyad Qabalan, an advisor to President al-Sharaa, asserting that Hamas’s presence in Syria is “not permitted” and labeling Israel’s allegations as unfounded.
Katz stated, “We will not allow southern Syria to become southern Lebanon,” highlighting Israel’s resolve to maintain security in the region amidst ongoing tensions. The official’s remarks and the claims from the Palestinian source underline the complexities surrounding the political landscape in Syria and Israel’s strategic interests in the area.
In summary, the reported absence of Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Syria stands in stark contrast to Israeli assertions, as indicated by a Palestinian source in Damascus. The Israeli government, facing criticism, has intensified efforts to secure its borders while accusing the new Syrian administration of harboring terrorist groups. This ongoing exchange of accusations accentuates the fragile nature of the security and political environment in the region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
